Luminescence Dating of Archaeological Materials

Half a century after the publication of the first Thermoluminescence (TL) ages, the field of Luminescence Dating has reached a level of maturity. Both research and applications from all fields of archaeological science, from archaeological materials to anthropology and geoarchaeology, now routinely employ luminescence dating. The advent of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques and the potential for exploring a spectrum from mono-minerallic single grains to polymineral multi-aliquots enhanced the applicability, accuracy and the precision of luminescence dating. The present contribution reviews the physical basis, mechanisms and methodological aspects of luminescence dating; discusses advances in instrumentations and facilities, improvements in analytical procedures, and statistical treatment of data along with some examples of applications across continents. The case studies review the dating of heated and solar bleached archaeological material (artefacts, sediments, rocks, rock art and buildings) that cover all periods from Middle Palaeolithic to Medieval Eras and both Old and New World archaeology. They also include interdisciplinary applications that contribute to palaeo-landscape reconstruction.